WELCOME!!
to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning March 3, 2025
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
Please leave a donation to assist our club to do Rotary's good works!
to this week's meeting of
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
For the week beginning March 3, 2025
Scroll down to enjoy the content!
Complete the form for a make-up!
Rotary International President – Stephanie Urchik
And for our clubs -
***
Don't forget EARTH DAY - April 22
***
Greeter this week
Rotarian avatar
***
***
Inspirational moment
***
Eco Minute
MORE ABOUT PLASTICS, PART 1 OF 3
Includes - How to Identify Plastics in Everyday Life
(Resin codes & symbols)
PLASTICS THAT ARE GENERALLY USEFUL -
(LESS PROBLEMATIC)
These plastics have benefits that make them worth keeping in certain contexts:
1. Medical Plastics (Sterile and Life-Saving)
o Syringes, IV bags, and medical tubing
o Protective gloves, masks, and medical packaging
o Prosthetics and implants
(Why? Essential for hygiene, preventing infections, and improving health outcomes.)
2. Durable, Recyclable Plastics (Used for Longevity)
o HDPE (#2 - High-Density Polyethylene) → Found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and some reusable containers.
o PP (#5 - Polypropylene) → Used in medicine bottles, yogurt containers, and baby bottle lids.
o PET (#1 - Polyethylene Terephthalate) → Used in some water bottles and food packaging but should be recycled properly. (Why? These plastics can be recycled in many areas and have long-lasting uses.)
3. Safety & Infrastructure Uses
o ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) → Used in car bumpers, helmets, and durable home appliances.
o PC (Polycarbonate, but only in some cases) → Found in safety glasses, protective barriers, and bulletproof windows. (Why? These materials provide strength, safety, and durability in necessary applications.)
PLASTICS TO AVOID -
(UNNECESSARY & HARMFUL)
These are plastics that contribute to pollution, are difficult to recycle, or have harmful health effects:
1. Single-Use Plastics (Especially Non-Recyclable)
o Plastic cutlery and straws – Replace with metal, bamboo, or compostable alternatives.
o Plastic grocery bags – Switch to reusable cloth or sturdy tote bags.
o Styrofoam (PS #6 - Polystyrene, Expanded Polystyrene “EPS”) – Often used for takeout containers and cups; difficult to recycle and breaks into harmful microplastics.
o Plastic film & wrap (LDPE #4 - Low-Density Polyethylene) – Includes cling wrap, bubble wrap, and many food packaging films that are rarely recycled.
2. Non-Recyclable or Poorly Recycled Plastics
o Black plastic containers – Often not detected by recycling systems.
o PVC (#3 - Polyvinyl Chloride) – Found in some shower curtains, pipes, and old-school plastic toys; can leach toxic chemicals.
o PLA (Polylactic Acid “bioplastic”) – Marketed as “compostable,” but only in industrial composting, not in home compost bins.
3. Toxic or Chemical-Leaching Plastics
o BPA-based plastics – Found in some old water bottles, food storage containers, and linings of cans; linked to health concerns.
o Vinyl (PVC #3) with phthalates – Used in soft plastics like cheap toys, shower curtains, and even some clothing.
PERSONAL ACTION ITEMS -
TIPS TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY PLASTICS
• Buy in bulk – Reduces packaging waste.
• Use glass or stainless steel for storage and drinkware.
• Avoid microplastic-containing products – Such as glitter, synthetic clothing (polyester), and microbead face scrubs.
• Choose refillable or solid alternatives – Shampoo bars, reusable water bottles, and refillable cleaning sprays.
***
Canadiana
***
Comments from our guests and members
Members and guests attending our weekly meetings are very important to us. Based on your comments we are able to produce many more educational, inspiring, and entertaining weekly meetings.
Following are some of the comments we have received. Would you please send us your comments?
January 27. President John F. Kennedy's words to the Canadian Parliament from May 17th, 1961, are still so true today: “Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature has so joined together, let no man put asunder.”
-- James Ferguson, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
Watching that video and hearing those words of President John F. Kennedy – with reference to 2025 – so very sad.
-- Rotarian Kitty, Associate member, E-Club of Canada One, D5370
January 20. 10 mindful minutes, I do that every morning with my morning coffee. Sit in the dark and look out the patio door and watch the morning come alive, it's amazing where your mind will drift off to.
-- Patrick Gibson, E-Club of Canada One, District 5370
January 27. A very meaningful online meeting! The Eco Moment on biodiversity loss was a timely reminder of why protecting our planet is so crucial—great insights. I also really enjoyed the TED Talk by Andy Puddicombe; taking just 10 mindful minutes is such a simple yet powerful idea. And a special thank you for the Jukebox segment—what a thoughtful tribute to Garth Hudson. A truly engaging and well-rounded meeting!
-- Rtn. Michael Carter, Rotary Club of Pine Ridge, District 7824
***
|
Archived Meetings
- For meetings prior to November 4, 2024, please click here.
- All meetings are archived.
- For meetings starting November 11, 2024, please scroll to the very bottom of this page.
***
Announcements
is the Rotary International president-elect (for 2025–2026).
He will be the fourth Brazilian to hold the office.
***
***
***
All you budding poets can participate in the Rotary Poetry Contest initiated by the Rotary E-Club of Innovation. There are various categories - but the whole project is in support of Rotary. So get your words together - and join in! What fun!
Final entry date is April 30.
***
Material Suggestions and Greeter Messages Always Needed!
Please feel free to forward an approx. 150 - 200 word message or any material suggestions in an e-mail, or in a Word document, along with a JPeg picture or two, to E-Club Administration Chair, Kitty Bucsko.
We'd love to hear from you!
***
***
Just so you're aware -
Our Club's Ongoing Projects -
We provide ongoing support for the following projects:
And we're doing great!
Ask for more information if you'd like to be involved!
***
Real-time meetings
Each 3rd Thursday of the month is our Fellowship Assembly, and we often invite interesting speakers or Rotary Leaders for this entertaining, educational fun event. Plan to join us.
The time is 9:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) in lieu of the weekly Coffee Chat except for July and August when there are no FA’s. Here is the zoom link:
Everyone is welcome to attend and we encourage your participation.
Please click our Event Calendar for details and access Link.
For further inquiries or suggestions please contact: info@rotaryeclubcanada.ca
All our videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
***
How do you support our club?
- The Paypal button on our ClubRunner Home Page
- The donation button on the attendance form, or
- Make an Interac transfer to rotaryeclubcanada1@gmail.com
- Send a cheque to:
The Rotary E-Club of Canada One
10430 135 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5N 2C6
(780) 267 4547
Environment
Why Individual Environmental and Climate Action Matters
Collective Impact: Millions of small, thoughtful actions can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions and waste.
Cultural Shifts: Individual changes influence societal norms. When enough people adopt sustainable habits, industries and governments feel the pressure to act.
Lead by Example: Personal choices can inspire others. Your efforts can encourage neighbors, friends, and even future generations to follow suit.
Ideas for Taking Action:
1. Reduce Waste
1. Reduce Waste
- Compost food scraps (like using Lomi or traditional methods).
- Cut back on single-use plastics—switch to reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
- Repair and reuse items instead of discarding them.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
- Turn off electronics when not in use.
- Consider switching to renewable energy if possible.
- Walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transit more often.
- Drive fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, if feasible.
- Reduce meat and dairy consumption, which have high carbon footprints.
- Choose locally sourced and seasonal produce.
- Share what you learn about the climate crisis with others.
- Support policies and initiatives that address environmental issues.
- Join local or online groups focused on sustainability.
- Buy from companies prioritizing sustainable practices.
- Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, or B Corp.
Your reading and increased awareness
are already significant steps toward action.
By choosing a few areas to focus on,
you can make a meaningful difference while inspiring others.
Small ripples create waves,
and together, they can lead to transformative change.
Humour
***
New members' corner
Since the 2024 Rotary International Assembly in early January, participants at Rotary’s annual learning event for incoming leaders have been talking a lot about making our Rotary clubs “simply irresistible.” This term was used as the title of a 1988 song and a 1999 movie.
In terms of Rotary, it was first used by Past District Governor Louisa Horn and recently championed by Stephanie Urchick, 2024-25 Rotary International president.
So what does “simply irresistible” mean in terms of an organization? According to Deloitte’s description of “The Simply Irresistible Organization,”TM an irresistible organization has five elements: (i) meaningful work, (ii) supportive management, (iii) a positive work environment, (iv) growth opportunities, and (v) trust in leadership. I truly believe that together, we can make Rotary an irresistible organization if our clubs provide these elements to our members.
So what does “simply irresistible” mean in terms of an organization? According to Deloitte’s description of “The Simply Irresistible Organization,”TM an irresistible organization has five elements: (i) meaningful work, (ii) supportive management, (iii) a positive work environment, (iv) growth opportunities, and (v) trust in leadership. I truly believe that together, we can make Rotary an irresistible organization if our clubs provide these elements to our members.
• Meaningful Work – No one joins a club to do nothing. Our members join for various reasons, but they all join to do something meaningful. This is true whether it be a traditional or virtual club and whether it focuses on local and/or international projects. We need to give our members purposeful opportunities, and we should change up these opportunities somewhat regularly so our members don’t get bored doing the same thing. How do you know which opportunities to provide? Give your members what they want by conducting a member satisfaction survey.
• Supportive Management – Rotary International is improving in this area, with the Board of Directors just recently implementing three-year goals for its various paired zones. Goal setting and accountability are also happening at the district and club levels. Rotary also invests in its leaders through various learning opportunities. Our zone coordinators receive these opportunities at the Global Support/Global Philanthropy Seminars. District governors-elect receive them at the International Assembly. Club presidents-elect receive them at Presidents-elect Training Seminars. Members receive them at district seminars and in Rotary’s Learning Center.
• Positive Work Environment – Our organization’s Vision Statement starts with the words “Together, we.” Most people want to serve, but they want to serve with like-minded people with the same values. Of course, we have to ensure our members feel that they belong and that their opinions matter to other club members and leadership. Again, surveys would help here. If you implement some of the suggestions your surveys generate, people will feel that they’re being heard.
Rotary International does a good job of recognizing its members and other participants with awards of many types. But recognition also needs to happen at the club level. This recognition should not only be for financial giving, but also for things such as being a new member sponsor.
• Growth Opportunities – Our members want to be part of something that allows them to grow. Rotary’s Vision Statement reads: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” These last three words are important. People want to be part of something that fosters self-improvement. Working with others to serve makes this happen, and studies show that the act of serving others makes us happy. Why? Because when we focus on others, we aren’t thinking about ourselves. To quote Louisa Horne: “It’s not about me, it’s about M.E. – the Membership Experience.” Read more about Horne’s Rotary Club of Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia
• Trust in Leadership – I’ve spent the last decade getting to know our organization’s leaders from the club level (serving on the Presidents-elect Training Seminar Alliance) up to our International Presidents’ level (through serving as a president’s aide, learning facilitator, and president’s representative). These roles have taught me that our Rotary leaders are purpose-driven and inspiring – not only through their words, but also (and more importantly) through their actions. If we continue to have strong leaders, we will have strong clubs and a strong Rotary.
If we focus on helping our clubs improve these five areas, Rotary will become “simply irresistible!”
***
Rotary minute
***
Food for thought
Mary Poppins’ “A Spoonful of Sugar”
was inspired by the polio vaccine.
When inspiration strikes, you have to just go with it — no matter how unexpected the circumstances. Few knew that better than Robert B. Sherman, who, along with his brother Richard, made up one of the best-known songwriting duos in Hollywood history.
This was recounted by Robert’s son Jeffrey, who in late 2020 shared his story of receiving the vaccine as a child. When asked whether it hurt, Jeffrey told his father, “They put it on a sugar cube and you just ate it. He stared at me, then went to the phone and called my uncle Dick.”
Robert recalled the incident similarly: “I realized at the moment that I had the spark of a winning song,” he wrote in his autobiography Moose: Chapters From My Life. “I couldn’t sleep all night. The lyric mulled around in my mind. The next day, at work, I showed up half an hour earlier than usual so that I could pop the idea on my brother.”
Created by virologist Jonas Salk, the polio vaccine (originally administered as a shot) was released in 1955, after which Salk was hailed as a miracle worker and refused to patent it. An oral vaccine, the type Jeffrey Sherman received, was developed later by biomedical scientist Albert Sabin. Within 25 years, the polio vaccine eliminated transmission of the disease in the United States.
Click here to read more.
Click here for another interesting account of the origin.
Rotary Jukebox
For a small donation, your favorite musician will be featured on one of our next e-meetings for everyone to enjoy.
Every week we'll have a draw and the lucky person will see their song featured!
***
The Four-way Test
To close the meeting, Rotarian Jim recites the Four-Way Test of the things that Rotarians think, say, or do.
Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your feedback and hope you will return and invite a guest.
Please Click HERE to leave us a comment or send a message.
Scroll down for Program Donations and Attendance links.
***
Our Facebook page. Please remember to check out our posts on the Rotary E-Club’s Facebook page. We work hard to post something every second day, sometimes more often.
Invite friends to Like our page and enjoy our posts. Also, please take the time to Share our posts on your Facebook Page.
***
Attendance Links
Complete the attendance/donation form to have your attendance recognized.
- CLICK HERE to return to our ClubRunner Home Page.
Confirmation of your attendance will be sent to your e-mail address promptly.
Please support our club!
Donate For the Meeting You Have Attended.
Please consider making a small donation in lieu of a meal
to help us help those in need.
As you have not had to buy lunch or travel to attend this program, please consider a donation of a minimum of $10.00 in appreciation for the experience you have enjoyed.
We thank you very much!
Program Donations
Our E-Club is a dynamic club comprised of ordinary working and retired people who acknowledge that Rotarians are people who are generous with their time and their resources.
Our club and the program you have just enjoyed, either as a member or a visitor, is funded only by donations.
We are developing ideas for fundraising with our members who are scattered across Canada, USA, Central America, and Europe, but we do need your help.
As you have not had to buy lunch or travel to attend this program, please make a donation of a minimum of $10.00, considering you're saving in time and cost in appreciation for the experience you have enjoyed.
Interested in providing Rotary Service? Unable to attend terra club meetings?
Contact our membership chair for information or
or HERE to learn about Associate Membership
No comments:
Post a Comment